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Luxury Pocket Watches
The history of pocket watches goes as far back as the 15th century and the first ever pocket watch was invented by a German watchmaker named Peter Henlein in 1510. He managed to manufacture a smaller watch design that was not possible before, therefore it was compact enough to be worn. Even though it was the smallest model ever made it was still not possible to wear it inside a pocket as the shape of the timepiece resembled a can. These very first pocket watch models were rather chunky in shape and most likely were carried in bags. It wasn’t until after they were redesigned in the 17th century that new models matched the “pocket watch” description.
Pocket watches have been popular for centuries, even though wristwatches became more popular and nearly made pocket watches completely disused in the 20th century simply because it was much more comfortable to wear a wristwatch. Nevertheless, good mechanical pocket watches still have a great fandom!
There are a few well known Swiss manufacturers like Regent, Tissot, or Dugena that still continue to produce affordable Swiss pocket watches that are powered by mechanical or quartz movements. More expensive pocket watches are manufactured by names like Breguet, A. Lange & Söhne, Patek Philippe, Girard-Perregaux, and Vacheron Constantin. Those are also the best pocket watch brands out there.
The timepieces range from inexpensive vintage models to luxury pocket watches and extremely rare collector's pieces. If you are willing to acquire a pocket watch for yourself, you have plenty to choose from. Prices vary from a couple of hundred to a few million euros. The most expensive pocket watch ever sold was made by Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe and was sold at Sotheby’s auction for 24 million US dollars in 2014.
Even though pocket watches may seem less common today they are still very much a thing not only for men but also for women. The rebirth of pocket watches was influenced by a renewed appreciation for fine timepieces and the current trend of vintage-inspired fashion.
Watch companies around the world continue to manufacture high-quality pocket watches with mechanical or quartz movements. Nowadays high quality Swiss made pocket watches or other luxury pocket watches are considered to be more of a deluxe accessory or a status symbol.